Skill eco-framework to be prepared, employability of 40L citizens to be enhanced

A skill eco-framework for Uttarakhand will be developed in the next two months. In order to enhance the employability and self-employment potential of about 40 lakh citizens in the 15-59 years age group, the State Government will prepare a work plan with the help of the Central Government. This was stated in a review of the skill development scheme chaired jointly by the Union Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Dharmendra Pradhan along with Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat here on Sunday.

At the meeting the Union Minister said that there are 176 governmental Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Uttarakhand which is a considerable number considering the area and population. He stressed on the need for ensuring effective use of these institutes. Tie-ups should be entered into with industries which should also be motivated to adopt ITIs. The industrial enterprises should not only upgrade these institutes but also facilitate placements for those studying in the institutes. The Central Government will provide all necessary support to the state government for this, he said. Special focus should be laid on skill development of those related to the tourism industry. Those working in hotels, restaurants, as drivers, guides and in other positions need to be skilled and re-skilled. According to a study, people in Uttarakhand prefer self-employment to a private job. The government should work as a facilitator to enable the youth to achieve this. In the next three years, for skill development, the state government’s MSME, school education, higher education, skill development and tourism department should jointly prepare the skill eco system plan and work on it in a timebound manner. The Centre is eager to provide all cooperation to the state for this purpose, said Pradhan. From the school level itself, the children should be taught some skill according to their interest. Pointing out that the national highway network is expanding considerably in Uttarakhand, the union minister said that in the form of roadside activities, employment opportunities can be provided on a large scale in various spheres.

Speaking at the meeting, the chief minister said that the government’s focus is on the service sector. There are considerable opportunities for employment and self-employment in the service sector in Uttarakhand. Considering this, special focus should be laid on the service sector for skill development.

The State Government has set targets for 2020 and is working with commitment to achieve these. Employment is being accorded top priority also as a means to stall migration. Skill development plays an important part in this. The State Government has undertaken various small and medium initiatives. One of this- the Devbhog Prasad Yojana is yielding positive results. Through women self help groups, Prasad costing a total of Rs 1.5 crore has been sold to pilgrims in Kedarnath and Badrinath under this scheme. This Prasad is made from local produce, he added.

Uttarakhand cabinet minister Harak Singh Rawat, minister for higher education Dhan Singh Rawat, MSDE secretary KP Krishnan, joint secretary Rajesh Agrawal, state additional chief secretary Ranvir Singh, principal secretary Manisha Panwar and secretary Bhupinder Kaur Aulakh among others were also present in the review meeting.